Autumn in the Rockies

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 07:26:49 PST

Estes Park, Colorado--- Dawn comes early in the Northern Rockies, cresting over the towering peaks, seeping mystical light into the sleepy valley below kissed by the autumn chill. The elk and bears and other wildlife that roam the environs by night retreat into their hiding places and the town awakes.

In the autumn, the mountains, hills and vales come alive with a fire-like intensity of burnt oranges and golden yellows. Spotting the countryside like a patchwork quilt, aspens paint the landscape in passionate hues born of the soil. A walk along Lily Lake, framed by majestic Long's Peak or a hike up one of the many mountain trails, is enough to take one's breath away both literally and figuratively. At altitudes ranging from 7,500 - 12,000+ feet a visitor from sea level has to take the trails easy. Not much oxygen at these high elevations and it takes a while to adjust.

But it is worth it. The Rocky Mountains are unquestionably God's finest creation and should cause atheists to give second thought to their disbeliefs. The picturesque town of Estes Park, gateway to the Rockies, offers something for everyone. Quilt shops, leather stores, art galleries, typical t-shirt and other local tourist shops, as well as adventure tours, horseback riding, an aerial tram in summer, miniature golf and a fun park for kids. Throughout the town take your pick of decent restaurants, pubs, and ice cream shops including the 14'ers Café where they serve Guiness ice cream or Jack Chip made with Jack Daniels. Inns, lodges, hotels and bed and breakfasts nestle in between in every price range.

For activities you can either be adventurous or simply relax and do nothing but stare at the inspiring peaks while pondering life's mysteries. Or you can visit Estes Park Brewery and ponder them over a pint of locally brewed ale. It doesn't take long to forget the cares, anxieties and trivialities of home. The Rockies have a way of doing that on a clear cool day. One look at those magnificent peaks and suddenly troubles seem pretty inconsequential.

Just three miles from town is nearby Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). It was established in 1915 and covers 416 square miles. More than 350 miles of hiking trails traverse the park. Elevations within RMNP range from 7,500 feet to over 14,000 feet. The highest peak, Long's, reaches 14,249 at the pinnacle. But it is hardly alone; the park is home to more than 60 peaks over 12,000 feet.

RMNP is a hiker's nirvana but if you're not the athletic type you can still see much of its grandeur by car. One drive in particular should not be missed during the early fall weeks. Trail Ridge Road, open from May through mid-October, is the highest continuous road in North America. It summits at 12,183 feet, providing a birds-eye view of the surrounding peaks and canyons.

If you do want to hike but don't want to undertake anything strenuous there are also a number of easy hikes that won't tax your lungs or athletic prowess but will still offer some of the park's most stunning views. Seek out Bear Lake where you can see the reflection of Hallet Peak in the tranquil water. Sprague Lake is another good spot to photograph mountain reflections and see the state fish, the Greenback Cutthroat Trout. Nymph Lake and Dream Lake are other easy strolls highlighted by the bright colors of turning aspens framed by the stately peaks.

If you're up for a bit more challenging walk hike up to Alberta Falls beyond Bear Lake. This 25-foot cascade is one of the more popular waterfalls in the park. Although roughly a mile to the falls the trail head is at 9,240 feet so can be taxing for those unused to the high elevation. But if you're healthy and have adjusted to the high altitude, it's worth the easy climb.

Finally, be sure to seek out the elk. Fall is elk rut (mating) season. You will likely see them in the park's meadows, lolling in high grasses, but one of the better places to watch them is on the Estes Park golf course in the center of town at the end of the day. Not the most romantic way to view the elk but they like it on the cool, tidy grass and you can get close enough to take a few good photos. Just don't get too close or a male bull will likely challenge your presence so close to his herd of females.

Listen for "bugling", the male's call of the mating ritual. It's quite common to hear and see elk about town but especially on the golf course. From mid-September through the end of October the large antlered bulls bugle and show off their prowess as they compete for the attention of the females and gather them into groups known as harems. It's not unusual to see a 1,100 pound bull with up to 50 females.

However you choose to spend your time in the Rocky Mountains, you undoubtedly will find yourself in awe of the mountains, flora and wildlife before you. And you will not be alone. These mountains have impressed, inspired and marveled humanity since the dawn of civilization.

You Deserve Something Green

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 02:32:23 PST

You have been working hard and working even harder to make a difference. You rode your bike to work everyday this week, you remembered you canvass bag when you went to buy organic groceries, you washed cloth diapers, you recycled every credit card receipt, you built a compost pile and now you ask, what can I do for myself?

If you went above and beyond you may be in need of a night on the town, and what better way to get to town than in a green limo, which runs on bio-diesel and serves organic wine! Choose an organic fine dining restaurant such as Organic Orbit in Boulder, CO or visit the Ideal Bite to find the best green restaurants and scenes in Denver or other major cities. Don't forget some flowers; even if they are for youself, but like everything else they have to be organic so get them from Wild Oats or Whole Foods.

After you are done celebrating and strutting that sleek carbon footprint why not pick up your feet for the rest of the weekend and let Clean Conscience get the footprints off your carpet. You can find them at Leafing Through along with many other green products and services. Not ready to go home? Get a room at the Boulder Outlook Hotel, which has zero waste and chlorine free pools or find other green hotels under the travel section of Leafing Through. A massage runs on human power so don't skip this after your long week striving to better the earth.

Did Fido walk with you to the recycling bin? Why not throw him a bone from Whole Pets or your local, eco-friendly pet store. Whatever you do, keep doing it, take time to congratulate yourself and others, and remember that it's people like you that make this world a better place.